Getting in front of the camera isn’t something I do often, but I make a point to do it every year because looking back on old portraits is one of my favorite things to do. I know that’s surprising coming from a photographer! This year, Cody and I traveled back to California to visit friends and family. On our trip, we met up with our favorite photographer, Jaime Davis, and she captured us at a spot I’ve had on my list for a few years now. Yes, us photographers keep a list of places we want to either: photograph others or have our own family pictures taken.

The Mission San Juan Capistrano is a destination both locals and tourists visit because of it’s amazing history and beautiful grounds. It’s a popular location for weddings and other events and I’ve seen a few portraits taken there before. I particularly love the vibrant colors and textures of the mission’s stone walls and of course Jaime captured it all perfectly!

Thank you so much Jaime for photographing us again. Here’s a peek at our pictures:

To reserve a session with me, your Scottsdale Arizona photographer, get in touch here. To work with the amazing Jaime Davis, visit her website!

I am thrilled to announce that my 2017 Scottsdale Santa photography sessions are now open to everyone! These exclusive 20 minute sessions with Santa are truly magical. This is your little one’s time to open their special signed gift, read Christmas stories, share gourmet cookies and milk with Santa, all while I capture their special visit in timeless portraits for your family to treasure!

These limited edition sessions were born out of my immense love for Christmas. Over two years ago, I got the inspiration to create something more magical and enjoyable than waiting in long lines at the mall, having a split moment with Santa and one good picture of everyone smiling at the camera. It has been the greatest joy the last two years seeing the happiness that Santa brings: hugs, chats about how the elves make legos, reading stories and so much more! I am so excited to be announcing Santa’s third year at my studio!

Almost everybody knows that I have a little dog named Penny…and she’s my world. Penny is a one year old teeny Shih Tzu whose enthusiasm for life inspires me everyday. She happens to have a doggy cousin who is the exact same way! My sister Lyndsay has the cutest dog named Rockie and I’ll be honest- he has even more personality than Penny does. He was adopted from an amazing shelter near my sister’s house in Santa Monica. Penny doesn’t get to see Rockie much, but when she does, she just can’t contain herself!

We don’t have any grandchildren in our family so these two are the grandpups. Our mom, who lovingly refers to herself as “Grammy” spoils them in every way, even ways she probably shouldn’t (Grammy has told me that Penny likes Chick-fil-A, for example). On their last visit, we brought both dogs into my Scottsdale photography studio with big dreams for a cute picture of them together for Grammy… that didn’t happen! These two did great solo, but trying to get them both in a portrait was a circus!

Thanks to my mom, my sister, my aunt and these two wild pups for making this little session possible! Here’s a peek at their portraits:

I am now booking maternity, newborn and baby portraits at my Scottsdale photography studio and welcome furry family members to come along too. I would love to chat about your family’s pictures!

It was almost 15 years ago that my mom started working at the Mayo Clinic here in Arizona. We were new to the state and my mom was really excited to get back in the workforce after staying at home and volunteering at my school for a while. I don’t think she knew back then that taking a job at the Mayo Clinic is one of the best decisions she would ever make. Not only is it a wonderful medical institution, it has been a place where my mom has found what she truly LOVES to do- guide residents through their medical training (and honestly, be their second mom). As if finding her dream job wasn’t enough, my mom has met two of the greatest friends of her life at the Mayo. These ladies would do (and have done) anything for my mom. As her daughter, I couldn’t wish for anything more! These three are everything I want to be- strong, caring and truly humble people. Silvana (left) has the loudest voice of positivity of anyone I know. She’s the one who encouraged my mom during her first half marathon and sat with me during my mom’s major surgery. Michele (right) also has a loud voice, but think New Jersey girl instead! If anyone will fight for you or tell you how it REALLY is, it will always be Michele. It was such an honor for me when these two entrusted their family portraits to me and with Silvana, this is actually the second time! We grabbed the whole crew and went out into the desert, which I find especially beautiful in the winter. Sure, there isn’t as much color as spring, but in winter you have some of the most beautiful weather (I mean look at those clouds!) that you can’t always find other seasons in sunny Arizona. So, a big thank you goes out to these ladies. Thank you for having me as your photographer, thank you for being the best friends to my mom and thank you for being such a great example of who I want to be when “I grow up”!

Here’s a little peek at their Scottsdale family sessions:

I’m now booking Scottsdale family sessions for October and November 2017. Get in touch to reserve yours!

Baby photography is my thing, but every now and then I get contacted for something different and I LOVE the opportunity for new experiences. A few months ago, Audrey got in touch about the B’nai Mitzvah they were having for her son and nephew at The Westin Kierland Resort and Spa. They were coming in from San Diego and had family coming in from all over the country for this special destination B’nai Mitzvah.

This family was such a blast! Since they were all coming from out of town, this was the first time that I had met them and yet it felt like I knew this family like neighbors! Ryan and Nate were the perfect combination of polite (and all too grown up!) and goofy (I seriously couldn’t stop laughing at their shenanigans!). These two have an amazing support system in their parents and extended family, all of whom they seemed so close to. During the ceremony, it was so wonderful to hear how just about every family member, near and far, helped them grow to be who they are today.

Thank you Audrey for inviting me to be a part of such a special day and thank you to the rest of the Jackel and Yaffe families for treating me like family during such an special time! Here’s a little peek at their Scottsdale family photos:

If you are looking to have your Scottsdale family photos taken soon, I would love to chat with you!